December

December is here again. I can hardly believe it! In the last few days I've had interesting conversations with co-workers who are either not excited about Christmas, or wish it wouldn't come so early. These conversations took me by surprise, but after thinking about it, I understand a little bit. When you feel pressure to entertain family or do certain things just because it's the tradition, it becomes a chore rather than a joy.

This year I've chosen to look this time as a season of hope, anticipation, joy and relaxation. And it is exactly that...a season, rather than an event. I'm going to do my best not to stress about all the external trappings of Christmas, but to do things during this time that have meaning and help create joy and bring happiness to others. Whether that means spending a day baking with my sisters, or browsing stores in search of gifts for others, remembering that I am doing it for others not for me is key. I think this will help in relieving the stress and pressure that our culture seems to put on these events.

I also am reminded that Christmas is really not about me or the gifts and stuff we do, but it is about Jesus, the baby who came to this earth to be our Saviour.